9 Simple Ways To Reduce Shedding In Cats

There are many ways to reduce shedding in cats which I will be explaining in this post so keep reading.

Shedding in cats is a natural part of life for cats, but it can be annoying if it happens too often.

If your cat is shedding excessively, there are ways to reduce the amount of fur that ends up on your furniture or floors.

Before we continue to ways of reducing shedding in cats, let’s quickly outline some causes of shedding in cats…

Causes of shedding in cats

Excessive shedding is a common issue with cats that can be caused by a variety of factors.

Here are some possible causes of shedding in cats:

1. Poor nutrition: If your cat is not getting the proper mix of nutrients it needs , it may shed more than usual.
2. Overgrooming: Cats that lick or groom themselves excessively can cause hair loss and excessive shedding.
3. Seasonal changes: Many cats shed more in the spring and fall as their undercoat comes in or goes out.
4. Stress or anxiety: Just like humans, cats can experience stress, anxiety, and other emotional issues that can lead to increased shedding.
5. Illness or disease: Certain medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism, liver disease, or kidney disease can cause excessive shedding in cats.
6. Parasites: Fleas, ticks, and mites can cause skin irritation, which can lead to excessive shedding.
7. Allergies: Cats can be allergic to things like food, pollen, or household cleaners, which can cause their skin to itch, leading to excessive grooming and shedding.
8. Hormonal imbalances: An imbalance of hormones, such as during pregnancy or after neutering or spaying, can cause excessive shedding in cats.
9. Genetics: Certain breeds of cats, such as the Siamese or Persian, are more prone to excessive shedding than others.

Learn more about the causes of excessive shedding in cats.

Ways To Reduce Shedding In Cats

Here are some common ways to manage excessive shedding in cats:

1. Grooming your cat regularly

Regular grooming with a slicker brush is one of the best ways to reduce shedding in cats.

The slicker brush has bristles that are finer than human hair and are designed to work into your cat’s undercoat, removing loose hair from the top layer of their skin.

This helps prevent mats and tangles, which can make it harder for them to move around freely once they begin matting up.

You should use your slicker brush every day or two so that you don’t miss any spots on your cat.

Otherwise, you may end up having to deal with an irritated cat! If your cat isn’t keen on having its fur touched by human hands.

Recommended post: 20 Most Important Cat Care Tips.

2. Increase protein in the cat’s diet

Protein is a key component of cats’ diets, and the amount of protein they consume can have a significant impact on how much shedding occurs.

A high-protein diet means that your cat will be getting more energy from her food and less energy from chewing it up and digesting it.

To keep your kitty feeling healthy, it’s best to feed them foods like chicken breast or fish fillets that contain high levels of protein (chicken has 18 grams per serving).

You should also consider adding some hard biweekly treats like raw eggs or cottage cheese for an extra boost!

3. Switch to hypoallergenic cat food

You can also try switching your cat to hypoallergenic cat food.

Hypoallergenic cat food is made with protein sources that are less likely to cause allergies and skin issues.

This means you won’t have to worry about them shedding as much when they eat it.

If you want something more affordable but still effective at helping your furry friend shed less.

We recommend checking out our guide on how much money you should spend on your kitty’s diet each month!

4. Dampen dry food before feeding

Dampening dry food before feeding is another way to reduce shedding. The cat’s saliva activates the food, which then stimulates digestive enzymes and chewing in its stomach.

These actions all activate the nutrients in your cat’s diet, increasing its absorption rates.

This can help prevent digestion problems or keep hairballs at bay as well!

5. Feed smaller, more frequent meals

To reduce shedding in cats, you should feed your pet smaller, more frequent meals.

The hair that is swallowed from eating too much can accumulate and irritate the digestive tract when it is not able to pass through easily.

You may also want to try feeding your cat a hairball remedy if you notice that they often swallow too much fur or fur balls while grooming themselves.

These products help to reduce their appetite for shedding by making their stomachs feel fuller, so they don’t eat as much!

6. Provide occasional canned food as a treat

Canned food is a great source of water and protein, making it an excellent addition to your kitty’s diet.

It can also be used as a treat if you want to give them something other than dry kibble every now and then.

If your cat isn’t interested in eating canned food on its own, try sprinkling some over the top or mixing it with the dry kibble for an added boost of nutrition.

7. Reduce stress through play or distraction

To reduce stress, play or distraction is a great way to help your cat adjust to new situations.

If you’ve recently adopted a new pet or have just moved into a new house, it’s important to get them settled in as quickly as possible and make sure they’re comfortable before starting the shedding process.

Cats are naturally curious creatures who love exploring their surroundings, so providing plenty of toys and hiding places within the home will help them feel more at ease with their surroundings.

Another way that stress can cause excessive shedding is if you’re introducing something like a new baby into the household.

This could easily result in hair loss due to their heightened levels of activity!

Read more: 9 Top Signs Of Separation Anxiety In Cats.

8. Consider using de-shedding tools

De-shedding tools are an easy way to reduce shedding in cats.

These tools can be used on a regular basis, and they’re especially good for long-haired cats.

You may also find that your cat enjoys having his hair trimmed with this tool more than anything else you do around the house!

Not only does it remove loose hair from the cat coat and help reduce allergens and dander, but it also makes it easier for your pet to keep clean.

If you have a cat who sheds excessively because of allergies or other health issues (such as fleas).

Then using something like an electric cleaner will help reduce those symptoms by getting rid of dead skin cells stuck between fur follicles.

And allowing these pets less time spent grooming themselves after each bath/bedtime routine.

9. Keep your cat well hydrated

Keeping your cat well hydrated is an important part of keeping them healthy.

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need a lot of protein in their diet and so need to drink plenty of water.

If your cat is shedding, however, this may be more difficult than usual since some fur can get caught in the pet’s stomach or intestines and cause blockages which can lead to dehydration.

The best way to prevent this from happening is through proper nutrition—but if even that isn’t enough for your cat(s).

There are still ways to make sure your cat stays hydrated:

1. Give them water when they are thirsty
2. Make sure their water dish is always full
3. Make sure they have fresh water to drink
4. Keep the water cool
5. Change their water often.

Related questions

Are there any special products that can help with shedding?

Yes, there are a variety of tools and products designed specifically for shedding cats. These include de-shedding tools like combs and brushes, topical treatments, and specialized diets.

Is shedding normal for cats?

Yes, shedding is a normal part of a cat’s life. It’s their way of getting rid of old and damaged hair and making room for new growth.

Are there any health issues that can cause excessive shedding in cats?

Yes, a number of health issues can cause excessive shedding, including allergies, infections, hormonal imbalances, and various skin conditions. It’s important to consult with a veterinarian if you notice a sudden increase in your cat’s shedding.

Can I prevent cat hair from getting all over my home?

While you can’t completely eliminate shedding, there are steps you can take to minimize the impact it has on your home. Try using a high-quality vacuum cleaner or pet hair remover, covering your furniture with washable covers, and keeping your cat’s bedding clean.

Should I shave my cat to reduce shedding?

While shaving your cat may seem like a good solution to shedding, it’s not recommended unless there is a medical reason to do so. A cat’s fur provides important protection and insulation, and shaving can actually cause more harm than good.

Learn more about cat behavior after shaving.

Conclusion

It’s important to remember that cats are a naturally self-cleaning species, so there’s no need to try and fight their natural grooming habits.

If your cat is shedding more than usual, however, these tips can help!

Remember that the best way to reduce shedding is by providing your pet with regular grooming sessions with a slicker brush or comb.

It may seem like an extra chore at first, but it will save you hours of cleaning later on down the road when you don’t have time for it anymore!